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The morning after & the pharmacy (Germany)

How to ask for medicine in Germany

Q → A → what they'll probably say

Compiled by Gabriel Gilles · Updated

Short answerIn Germany, say Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?Where's the nearest pharmacy?

At the Apotheke

Q Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?Where's the nearest pharmacy?

  • A Am Bahnhof, die hat Notdienst.At the station — that one's on emergency duty.

German pharmacies shut evenings and Sundays. One per area runs a Notdienst rota, and every closed door lists which.

Q Haben Sie was gegen Kopfschmerzen?Do you have anything for a headache?

  • A Ibuprofen oder Paracetamol?Ibuprofen or paracetamol?

Q Was fehlt Ihnen denn?What seems to be the matter?

  • A Mir ist übel.I feel sick.
  • A Ich hab Magenschmerzen.I've got stomach ache.

They'll say Das hilft dagegen.This will help with that.

Q Ich hab die ganze Nacht nicht geschlafen.I didn't sleep all night.

  • A Viel trinken und ausruhen.Drink plenty and rest.

Q Haben Sie Elektrolyte?Do you have electrolytes?

  • A Ja, als Pulver.Yes, as a powder.

Q Nehmen Sie sonst Medikamente?Are you on any other medication?

  • A Nein, gar nichts.No, nothing at all.

They'll say Gut, dann ist das unbedenklich.Good — then this is fine.

Q Brauche ich dafür ein Rezept?Do I need a prescription for that?

  • A Nein, gibt's frei.No, it's over the counter.

Q Wie oft soll ich das nehmen?How often should I take this?

  • A Höchstens dreimal am Tag.Three times a day at most.

Hangover vocabulary

  • der KaterThe hangover — literally "the tomcat".
  • verkatertHungover.
  • das KaterfrühstückThe hangover breakfast — salty, and a genuine institution.
  • das KonterbierHair of the dog — literally the "counter-beer".
  • der FilmrissA blackout — literally the film tearing mid-reel.
  • der RestalkoholAlcohol still in your blood the next morning (the word that stops you driving)
  • einen Brand habenTo be desperately thirsty the day after — literally to have a fire.
  • Nie wieder Alkohol.Never again. Said sincerely, roughly monthly.